Russia's block was one of many factors which saw them pick up another win over Japan on Saturday afternoon

Ufa, Russia, May 28, 2011 – Russia finished their first weekend of the 2011 FIVB World League with two wins over Japan after clinching a 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12) win in their second home match on Saturday at home in Ufa.

Japan was helped by spiker Kunihiro Shimizu who scored 12 points but it was Russia’s Dmitry Muserskiy, 2010 World League Best Blocker, who was the star of the show for the hosts as he scored 14.

Japan began with enthusiasm and a number of good spikes in the first set, taking full control in spite of a tie score after the first technical time-out. The Russian team could not overcome the visitors and eventuall went on to drop the frame 25-22.

The second set began with high intensity from both teams, keeping fans on the edge of the seats for the whole set. Russia eventually managed to take a slight lead and finish off the set thanks to two aces from Muserskiy 25-19.

Russia improved their reception in the third and succeeded with risky serves to take full control and pick up the set 25-12.

The hosts continued their momentum in the fourth to keep up their solid attack and dominance. An excellent blocking game saw last year’s silver medalists finish the fourth set and the game easily 25-12.

Japan will now travel to Bulgaria as Russia prepare to take on Germany in Kaliningrad in next week's Pool B ties.